Captain Rich McDaniel (l), retired Admiral Jack Kavanaugh (c), and Rear Admiral Jack Scorby (r)
THE PROGRAM
President Gary called upon our own Admiral Jack Kavanaugh to introduce our visiting Navy Brass, and Jack was uncharacteristically brief in introducing two men whose current jobs and success in our Navy was more than sufficient to demonstrate that we were privileged to have such accomplished individuals as our speakers.
First, RADM Jack Scorby, a two star, with 35 years of service outlined his job as head of Navy Region Mid Atlantic, which has its headquarters on the Norfolk Naval Station and whose mission is to support the “Fleet, Fighter and Family”. This mission includes such diverse tasks as maintaining the support infrastructure of bases and supply channels servicing the Fleet, to supporting the families of our service members at home, to conducting military honors at funerals for our Veterans, at the rate of over 26,000/year. As we all were recently reminded, this mission also includes supporting the Fleet as it serves our nation in disaster relief, currently in both Texas and Puerto Rico.
Admiral Scorby identified his priorities as Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection, energy conservation, and protecting our naval facilities from encroachment. Addressing these priorities is essential to protect the Fleet’s ability to accomplish the mission of projecting power throughout the world, as and when needed.
Lastly, after listing the Navy facilities within a short distance of Norfolk, it was evident that Norfolk is a unique place for the Navy, and provides a huge economic impact to our region. Admiral Scorby summed it up well when he said that he considers the Navy a “part of the fabric of this community,” and the Navy considers Norfolk “home.”
Captain Richard McDaniel, the commanding officer Naval Station Norfolk, or as we like to call that position, the “Navy Mayor”, addressed the history, current status and future of the Norfolk Naval Station.
Before doing so he observed that Norfolk offered an ideal location for a Navy base with a sheltered harbor, a sediment bottom allowing for dredging, and a waterway that did not freeze. These natural traits led to the formal establishment of the base on July 28, 1917 by proclamation by President Wilson.
The base, formerly called Naval Operations Base (NOB) was renamed the Naval Station Norfolk in 1953, although use of “NOB” was a hard habit to break and is still heard from time to time.
No other base in the world is home to such a large fleet presence, including 6 aircraft carriers, 7 subs, 61 other ships, as well as 15 military Sea Lift Command vessels. In addition, its airfield, Chambers Field, is home to 17 squadrons, and 194 aircraft. Chambers Field also has a long history in Naval Aviation with early ship launched flights taking place in Willoughby Bay. He also noted that it had hosted such historical figures as Admiral Richard E. Byrd and Amelia Earhart.
Captain McDaniel has the formidable job of making sure that the base meets its mission of serving the Fleet, the Fighter and Families, as outlined by Admiral Scorby. That requires balancing security with access for sailors, family, and private contractors, and maintaining over 6200 acres, 13 piers, and scores of buildings and facilities on a tight budget. Reflective of the scope of this job is one fact he mentioned, over “3500 ship moves” per year, all of which require coordination of resources and are not without risk.
Captain McDaniel also highlighted some of the events taking place to celebrate the Norfolk Naval Station’s Centennial, including the Fleet Fest Celebration on October 21, in which the base will be opened to the public, and a program entitled “Charting our Next 100 Years” to be held at The Main on October 20, 2017.
In the Q & A session that followed, the issue of Sea Level Rise was addressed. Admiral Scorby indicated that, second only to New Orleans, Norfolk was the most affected community in the United States. Regardless of causes, we have seen a rise of 18 inches over the last 100 years, and although future estimates vary, the changes seem to be accelerating. The Navy is addressing these conditions as it examines its infrastructure and makes repairs or constructs new facilities such as piers. But, as noted, Norfolk also needs to address these issues, cooperating with state, federal and Navy offices, as the transportation infrastructure to and from the base is crucial to the operation and success of the base.
THE MEETING
The meeting was called to order by President Gary Boswick, who called upon Bob Heely, with Pam Tubbs on the piano, to lead us in song. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, President Gary led us in “The Four Way Test.” Marilyn Gowen gave the invocation.
Bill Gough presented a visitation report including Jean Owens returning to good form, and an update on Bob Ash, who is receiving intensive therapy on the 9th floor of Sentara. (No visitors yet). Bill also reported on Dean Rogis who is recovering from surgery.
Wayne Shank called upon our members to introduce their guests, who included the following:
- Bill Snellings, guest of Chick Robison;
- Frank Murphy, guest of John McLemore;
- Julie Stoner, guest of Laurie Harrison.
- Linwood Beckner also introduced his former co-worker, Beth Baker, who now is the Public Affairs Officer for Navy Mid-Atlantic Region, and, who in turn, introduced her colleagues, Emma Manzi and Jim Moir.
President Gary had the pleasure of recognizing two Rotarians. Chip Finch was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow and Steve Jones, CPA, was recognized for 24 years of perfect attendance!
President Gary also commended Sigur Whitaker for her outstanding efforts coordinating the Club’s hosting of the District Conference.
Members are encouraged to visit the web page for a list of upcoming club activities and dates, which were also discussed.
“Happy Bucks”/Announcements,
- Anthony Walters was recognized for being in the Virginia Pilot on Sunday;
- Steve M. Jones paid a “fine” for a car, new to him,
- Chuck Spence had the rare opportunity to boast of his Cavaliers for two weeks in a row.
- Chip Vogan, who holds our current longest perfect attendance streak, told of his making up at the Union League Club of New York and its impressive meeting.
- Gus Stuhlreyer offered up $100.00 for a collection of recent memorable events, including turning 65 and the birth of a grandchild.
- Finally, Ashley Molinaro was pleased to announce the return from deployment of her relative.
President Gary indicated that a book would be given to Fairlawn Elementary School, our school of the day, in honor of our speakers.
Finally, Bill Lehew won the raffle and drew the Queen of Spades, winning the big pot of $856.00!